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The UK’s most dangerous drivers… Who are they and where will you find them?

15th February 2018

Watch out for Johns in your blindspot: The UK’s most dangerous drivers, places and situations revealed…

July proves to be the most dangerous month for motorists, with 9% of all accidents taking place that month, while April is the safest with only 7.25%.

Law firm Your Legal Friend ( https://www.yourlegalfriend.com/ ) reported that the most common incident is being hit from the rear, accounting for 38% of all accidents.

Men named John are the most likely to cause accidents, while females named Sarah are most likely to be involved in and cause road accidents.

New research from law firm Your Legal Friend delves into the statistics of recent road accidents within England and Wales, highlighting the most dangerous drivers on our roads.

The research examined factors such as the vehicles, genders and age demographics involved in road accidents, as well as the dates and times that the most and least accidents take place. The research revealed that 7% of accidents resulted in no injuries, with neck injuries (74%) as the most common trauma, followed by back injuries (59%).

While there is a common misconception that age is a detrimental factor when its comes to road accidents, the study also revealed that drivers are most likely to cause an accident are at the age of 30. However, it was also revealed that drivers are more likely to be on the receiving end of the accident at the age of 32, making your early thirties the most dangerous time to be out on the road.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

While the climate and weather does sometimes play a large role in road conditions, April was reported as the safest month on the roads with only 7.25% of all accidents, while July was the most dangerous month, with 9% of all accidents happening this month.

Sundays proved to be the least chaotic day of the week, with less accidents than any other day. Fridays are the peak time for road accidents, as drivers rush home after the working week.
The most dangerous time to be on the road was 5-6p.m. in the evening on any day.

The research also revealed that the highest proportion of road accidents took place in Halifax, followed by Liverpool, Coventry, Barking and St Albans.

Which Models Should You Look Out For?

Ford cars proved to be the most accident-prone car brand with one involved in 16% of all accidents, Ford Fiesta Zetec models are the most common cars to be involved in an accident.

The 10 car models most likely to cause an accident are:

1. Ford – Fiesta

2. Mercedes Benz – Sprinter

3. Ford – Focus

4. Ford – KA

5. Vauxhall – Corsa

6. DAF Trucks – LF

7. Volvo – FH

8. DAF Trucks – CF

9. Renault – Clio

10. DAF – XF

The 10 cars most likely to fall victim to an accident are:

1. Ford – Fiesta

2. Ford – Focus

3. Audi – A3

4. Mercedes Benz – Sprinter

5. Volkswagen – Golf

6. Ford – Ka

7. Renault – Clio

8. Citroën – DS3

9. Vauxhall – Corsa

10. Vauxhall – Astra

Are Women Really Bad Drivers?

Refuting the age-old jokes around women drivers, the research found that men caused 70% of accidents. The research also revealed that:

Men with the name John were found to be the most likely to cause road accidents, while Davids were the most likely to be victims in accidents, followed closely by men named Paul.
For women drivers, unlucky women named Sarah not only proved to be the most likely to cause accidents, but also to be involved in accidents that were not their fault.

‘At one point or another, most people have experienced that heart-breaking moment of their first road accident. This study has revealed some rather interesting statistics, challenging a few common misconceptions about drivers in society today’, said Philip Waters, a Solicitor from Your Legal Friend. “ These facts challenge stereotypes around women drivers and the elderly on the road, showing that men in their early thirties are the most likely to cause, and be involved in, road accidents. While no two drivers are the same, it would seem over-confidence on the road can be the most harmful trait for anyone, and that all drivers should ensure that safety is their first priority while out and about.”

So, whether you’re looking to see if you’re likely to cause an accident or which drivers to avoid on the roads, check out our interactive tool here, or read through a breakdown of the statistics in this graphic.

Contributors

Contributors to the site include talented, highly-respected people (so they tell me) on the hallowed membership list of the Guild of Motoring Writers, and from the similarly well thought-of Western Group of Motoring Writers. In addition there are valued contributions from other knowledgeable and capable motoring writers who have something useful to say about all aspects of driving and running vehicles in the 21st Century. All of our team are passionate about motor cars!